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Before COVID-19 struck, domestic violence was already a global pandemic that plagued the world.
Early detection of the warning signs of domestic violence can help victims and their loved ones seek the necessary help and support to stop abuse and protect themselves from harm.
In this blog, let us discuss the warning signs of domestic violence and how to recognise them.
Early detection of the warning signs of domestic violence can help victims and their loved ones seek the necessary help and support to stop abuse and protect themselves from harm.
In this blog, let us discuss the warning signs of domestic violence and how to recognise them.
What is Domestic Violence?
Controlling and exerting power over a partner through abuse is called domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or domestic abuse. This behaviour can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological, and it includes actions or threats that scare, hurt, blame, manipulate, humiliate, or wound someone.
Anyone can be affected by many types of abuse, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Domestic abuse can happen to any type of relationship, including those who are married, living together, or dating, and it affects people from all backgrounds and education levels.
Anyone can be affected by many types of abuse, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Domestic abuse can happen to any type of relationship, including those who are married, living together, or dating, and it affects people from all backgrounds and education levels.
Domestic Abuse Awareness: Know These Warning Signs
Recognising the warning signs is one of the most critical steps in preventing domestic abuse. Below are the warning signs based on the Power and Control Wheel, a tool that can help recognise abusive behaviour.
1. Coercion and Threat
This warning sign includes threats, withholding physical support and rights, ending a relationship or leaving someone alone, reporting failure in the program, or using more intrusive equipment. In some cases, punishments and consequences may be used to get the person to do what they want.
2. Intimidation
When a perpetrator abuses their power by lifting their hand or using looks and other gestures to intimidate or control their victim, this further indicates that the perpetrator is abusing their power. They may also engage in property destruction, mistreatment of companion and assistance animals, and the exhibition of weaponry.
3. Caregiver Privilege
The abuser may also treat the person as a child or servant, make unilateral decisions, define narrow, limiting roles and responsibilities, provide care in a way to put stress on the person's dependence and vulnerability, give an opinion as if it were the person's opinion, deny the right to privacy, ignore, discourage, or prohibit the exercise of full capabilities.
4. Isolation
Another warning sign is when the abuser controls access to friends, family, neighbours, phone, TV, and news or limits employment possibilities because of the caregiver's schedule. They may also discourage contact with the case manager or advocate.
5. Minimise, Justify, and Blame
The abuser might not admit to or downplay the abuse, ignore the pain caused to people with disabilities, and make rules that restrict their freedom, respect, and social connections. They also excuse their actions as a way to "manage" the behaviour of the victim. Sometimes, they would say the victim is not a "good reporter" of the abuse.
6. Withhold, Misuse, or Delay Needed Support
A warning sign of abuse can be when the abuser misuses medication, neglects equipment safety, damages adaptive devices, withholds communication tools, stops caring for the victim, or uses equipment to harm or control them.
7. Economic Abuse
Abusers may use the individual's property and money for staff benefit, steal, or use the individual's property or money that serves as a reward or punishment for behavioural problems. They will also make financial decisions based on agency or family needs or restrict access to financial resources and information.
8. Emotional Abuse
Abusers may threaten, punish, ridicule, refuse to listen, mock the affected person's culture, traditions, religion, and personal preferences, or enforce a negative reinforcement program even if they do not consent.
Responding to Warning Signs of Domestic Violence: What You Need to Know
Recognising the warning signs of domestic violence can be difficult, but taking action is paramount once you finally recognise all these signs. Listed below are some steps you can take if you see signs of domestic violence:
1. Reach out for help.
The importance of seeking help cannot be overstated. You should contact local hotlines or organisations that specialise in domestic violence, such as DV Sunrise, if you have any questions. They can offer you resources, support, and advice on how to stay safe, depending on the situation.
2. Create a safety plan.
Creating a safety plan can help you or someone you know prepare for dangerous situations. This can include identifying safe places to go, having important documents and phone numbers readily available, and practising getting out of the house quickly and safely.
3. Document the abuse.
You can never go wrong if you keep a record of any abuse that occurs. This can include taking pictures of injuries, saving threatening messages or emails, and keeping a journal of incidents. This documentation can be used as evidence should legal action arise.
4. Consider legal action.
Seeking legal protection, such as a restraining order, can be an effective way to ensure your safety and prevent the abuser from coming near you. Contact an attorney or local law enforcement agency for more information.
5. Believe and support the survivor.
Believing and supporting the survivor is crucial. It can be difficult for them to come forward and talk about their experience, so it's essential to validate their feelings and provide them with emotional support. You can never go wrong in making the survivor feel that they are not alone and that you are there to support and believe in them.
6. Educate yourself and others.
Domestic abuse awareness can help prevent future occurrences. Attend workshops, read books and articles, and talk to others about the issue. You can also volunteer with organisations that support survivors of domestic violence.
7. Advocate for change.
Advocating for change by contacting local policymakers and advocating for laws that protect survivors of domestic violence can help prevent future occurrences. Joining a local advocacy group or writing to your representatives can make a difference.
Support DV Sunrise and Spread Domestic Abuse Awareness Today!
It is crucial to seek help immediately if you, a loved one, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence. If you want to help domestic violence victims, please consider donating to DV Sunrise. You can contact them at dvsunriseperth@gmail.com to learn more about their programs and services.